Major Arnavaz Daruwala

Members of our community have distinguished themselves in various fields. However, only one Parsi girl has ventured to join the Indian Army. Arnavaz Daruwala, an MSc in physics, was commissioned as an officer in the Signals Regiment on September 17, 2004. Her first posting was at Tiufujia in Assam after which she was posted at Chakarata in Uttaranchal where she had the opportunity to perform 10 para jumps. Mhow was her next posting. On completion of six years in the Army she was promoted to the rank of Major on September 17, 2010 at her unit in Ponda, Goa, where she is posted at present.

Daruwala’s message to Parsi girls is to join the Army after graduation as it not only provides good remuneration but inculcates discipline and prepares one to face all odds in life. Her parents, Dinaz and Kersi, who live in Bangalore wish that their 28-year-old daughter will marry a suitable Parsi boy after completing her stint in the Army.

BHIKHAJI M. ADENWALLA